Gordon's fifth stint at Food Show

Celebrity chef Peter Gordon says he is excited to present his favourite dishes at the Food Show, saying New Zealand is often ahead of the game on global food trends.

Attendees at the Auckland Food Show can expect to indulge in a lot of free samples, tastings and specials on products.

There will be a cooking theatre with celebrity chefs like Gordon, Ray McVinnie, Julie Le Clerc, Chelsea Winter and Nadia Lim putting on a show.

Gordon, who has just arrived back from London this week, said it was his fifth year demonstrating in Auckland.

He said New Zealand was often at the forefront of global food trends.

''The food trends that I'm noticing in London is still the sustainability thing, everyone needs to know where their food is coming from.''

He said people were also after small producers, foraging for ingredients and regional foods.

''In the restaurant we find people ask more and more about the provenance of the food...it's something I've done my whole life anyway so it's not difficult for me. It shows the customer is more educated. It makes your job more enjoyable.''

Chefs and companies at the show will be touting specialist recipes like avocado hummus, banana and pistachio cigars and gravlax crepe rolls, all of which are available on the show's website.

Gordon's demonstrations would focus on food from his Skycity restaurants Bellota and the Sugar Club.

Food Show chief executive Dona White said the show began 14 years ago as a small boutique event but that visitors had gradually ballooned to the 33,000-odd who attend every year.

The annual event is on at the ASB showgrounds in Auckland until Sunday.

White said this would be a major calender event for foodies in Auckland.

''We have dairy products, yoghurts and cheeses, chocolate, coffee, tea, lots of different meat options, lamb and beef and culinary equipment: mixers and blenders and juicers. In terms of culinary equipment, blending and juicing is really hot right now.''

For a full run-down of which companies and chefs will be there and for ticket information, visit foodshow.co.nz.